A HANDSHAKE ACROSS THE NIGER AS KHARIS WEDS CHIDI

By Akinsika Rufus, Ighodalo Uyi 

The Groom, Chidi and his Bride, Kharis

Genuine love can be adventurous; oftentimes leading one across physical and cultural barriers in the search for what one truly desires. It was such a pursuit that took Chidi from his beloved Imo State on the other side of the River Niger to the heartland of Esan kingdom in Edo State.

The traffic logjam on the head-bridge at Onitsha meant nothing to him, neither was he distracted by the ebbs and the flows of the waters of the Niger River. His gaze was set on one thing alone: the love of his life. In this, he was like Mary, whom the Lord said had “chosen what is better, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42).

Chidi got his prized jewel, thus confirming the truism embedded in the lyrics of Bongos Ikwue’s evergreen song, “I’ve been searching for, for true love. I’m gonna keep right on searching till I find…”

A search that diligent can only be consummated in an equally captivating fashion. Little wonder therefore that the spacious hall of the Grand Ovation Centre, Egbeda became a beehive of activities as guests trooped in on Friday, July 18, 2025, to witness the wedding between the two lovebirds.

The Couple

The ambience of the beautifully-decorated hall provided an aesthetic effect for the kaleidoscope of colours, the gaiety of the guests, the rib-cracking jokes and repartees of the MC/stand-up comedian, the pulsating mesmerism of the different genres of music, and the exquisite dance-steps of the guests. Culture was at its best; emblazoned in the regalia of modernity. The assorted delicacies and drinks did more than enough to whet the appetite; they made the guests belch with satisfaction. It was indeed a grand occasion at the Grand Ovation Centre.

Kharis was elegantly dressed, her full smile lighting up everywhere, her steps graceful and majestic; as she looked into the future with great optimism. If Kharis was super, Chidi was superb; beaming with smiles now and again as he stepped onto the dance-floor with his heartthrob. The combo of the duo gave the ceremony a super-duper effect.

The bride basking in joy

In all of these, the staff and students of the prestigious Nigerian Institute of Journalism, NIJ, Ogba, Ikeja made a strong showing; with no fewer than twenty-one staff and students in attendance. On the roll call were Mrs. Maureen Popoola, Mrs. Cynthia, Mrs. Umoren, Mr. Akinlolu Ojo, and the effervescent, cerebral, and irrepressible Dr. Jide Johnson (J.J.). It was indeed a day of celebration for Kharis and Chidi, so much so that some of the lecturers and colleagues in attendance responded to the vibes of the music by showing some skills and deft footwork on the dance-floor.

Academic Staff of NIJ, Mr. Akinlolu Ojo and PGD students of the institute.

l-r: Academic Staff of NIJ, Mrs. Maureen Popoola, Mrs. Umoren and a PGD student.

 PGD students of NIJ.

Here’s wishing the couple all the blessings of matrimony, while looking forward to the tying of many more nuptial knots between the ‘singles and searching” in the fold.